WeRide invests in GAC's ride-sharing platform Ontime

Beijing (Gasgoo)- GAC Group, WeRide and Ontime held a strategic cooperation and investment signing ceremony on December 21st, further cementing the trio’s future collaboration.

Robotaxi fleet; photo credit: WeRide

GAC Group announced that it will provide strategic investments to autonomous driving company WeRide, while WeRide invest in GAC’s mobility service provider Ontime.

Notably, WeRide’s investment in Ontime marks the first time for an autonomous driving startup to invest in a mobility service platform worldwide. WeRide will gain a data closed loop for Robotaxi technology and operation through the investment.

The trio plans to promote the vehicle design, R&D, mass production and commercialization of Robotaxis.

By virtue of GAC Group's vehicle R&D and fully redundant platform, WeRide's robust AD solutions and experience in Robotaxi operation, and OnTime's smart mobility platform and data, the trio aims to develop a fleet of driverless Robotaxis to realize operation and commercialization.

GAC, WeRide and Ontime intend to start the Robotaxi operation in the bay area, namely Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macau, and gradually branch out to the entire country. In 2022, the Robotaxi service will be available via Ontime’s ride-hailing platform.

In addition, in November, the trio has disclosed that the latest Robotaxi will be based on the GAC AION S model, powered by WeRide’s most up-to-date Sensor Suite 4.0.